The team's new car is being launched at Jaguar's headquarters in Milton Keynes.

"I wanted to get the experience in these modern cars so I can understand what they drivers say about the new car," Lauda said.

Lauda was drafted into the team last year and eventually took over running the operation following Bobby Rahal's decision to return to America.

The Austrian backed drivers Irvine and De La Rosa and said problems with the car last year had meant for a poor year at Jaguar.

"The driver line-up was not our problem," said Lauda.

"The car did not perform to our expectation. This year's car is better than last year's," he added.

The team's aim is to become one of the top six manufacturers in preparation for a championship challenge in 2003.

Lauda said: "After finishing only eighth in the constructors' rankings last year, this season we must climb two or three notches.

"In 2003 we should be ready to fight for the championship. My first year as Jaguar's team boss was one of analysis.

"It's my job to get us back on the top again and 2002 will be the year in which my changes should start to be effective."

Irvine gave his backing to the new car and design and engine improvements made by the team's engineers.

"There's a lot more thought gone into it and a lot more time gone into it as well," Irvine said.

"We've got the weight down and we understand a lot more about the aerodynamics."